Boston College High School has turned to alum and longtime assistant Jonathan Brillo as its new varsity football coach.

He replaces Jon Bartlett, who stepped down to focus on his position as athletic director after winning 70 percent of his games in two stints covering eight seasons.

“For the past 10 years on the BC High staff, Coach Brillo has coached multiple positions and has coordinated both sides of the ball,” said Bartlett.

Advertisement

“He has without a doubt been one of our hardest-working coaches, with the hours and preparation he puts in on the field and off. This work ethic and his ability to relate to our student-athletes will make him a successful head coach.”

Brillo, Class of ’99, was a four-year player at BC High, quarterbacking the Eagles his senior season. He played linebacker during his first year at Assumption College and threw javelin as a member of the track and field team for four years.

In 2008, the Quincy native returned to BC High as an assistant on the freshman team. The following year, Bartlett invited him to work as the quarterbacks coach for the varsity.

Eventually Brillo became the assistant offensive coordinator and last year, in a 10-1 season, the defensive coordinator. He’s also coached indoor and outdoor track at BC High the past decade.

“I’ve been here 10 years now and have a pretty good understanding of how our athletic programs work,” said Brillo.

Advertisement

“There is a long tradition of hard-working teams and a great support system from top to bottom.

“I’m hoping to continue to build on the success that Coach Bartlett has built and get these kids ready for the next stage of their lives.”

Brillo’s father, Frank, coached the BC High sophomore team for 10 years from 1989-98. Brillo recalls attending his practices and learning the basic tenets of his own coaching philosophy.

“I learned that to be successful, you have to keep it fun but also be firm and understanding,” said Brillo.

“Coming back now [as head coach] brings it full circle. It means the world for me, personally, and it’s really an honor and a privilege.”